Essex Police arrest 7% of drivers stopped during festive drink-drive campaign

Officers were out in force across the county from December 1 to January 1, and stopped a total of 2,429 motorists.

Of these 143 were over the legal drink-drive limit, or refused or failed to provide a sample.

A further 32 motorists were arrested in connection with drug-driving legislation.

It means 7% – around one in every 14 – of those stopped by police were arrested.

During the 2013 campaign 3,409 drivers were breathalysed and 124 were arrested.

Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager for Essex Police, said: “It is always frustrating to see that, despite knowing the consequences, some drivers still consider themselves to be above the law by getting behind the wheel having knowingly consumed too much alcohol.

“This year we breathalysed fewer drivers and arrested more on suspicion of drink driving. Whilst this appears disappointing on first sight, it can be explained by a more targeted approach taken during this year’s campaign.

“This year we were able to target our patrols more specifically to areas where intelligence told us people were drink driving. We were also able to act on information received from members of the public about people who regularly get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol.

“Our Christmas Anti-Drink Drive Campaign may have come to an end but Essex Police takes a robust approach to drink drivers 365 days a year. Drink driving isn’t just about Christmas – it ruins lives all year round.

“Perpetual drink drivers will choose to drink and drive any day of the year so I want to ask for support from the public to help take them off the roads of Essex. Please help keep the county’s roads safe by reporting drink drivers.”

To report a drink driver call 999 if they are getting behind the wheel, 101 to pass on information about someone who regularly drink drives, or tell Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.